Roaming mobile subscriber registration in a distributed mobile architecture

ABSTRACT

A method includes receiving a call routing request at a first distributed mobile architecture (DMA) node from a mobile switching center (MSC). The method includes identifying, at the first DMA node, a DMA node associated with a mobile subscriber device based on information included in a visitor location register (VLR) gateway accessible to the first DMA node. The VLR gateway identifies a set of visiting mobile subscriber devices. The method includes sending a call routing message from the first DMA node to the identified DMA node associated with the mobile subscriber device.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims priority from and is a divisionalapplication of patent application Ser. No. 11/451,238 filed on Jun. 12,2006 and entitled “ROAMING MOBILE SUBSCRIBER REGISTRATION IN ADISTRIBUTED MOBILE ARCHITECTURE,” the contents of which are expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to distributed mobilecommunication systems.

BACKGROUND

Access to basic telephony service is particularly important for ruraland isolated communities. Telephony access allows small-scaleenterprises, cooperatives, and farmers to obtain accurate information onfair prices for their products and to access regional and nationalmarkets. Access also reduces the cost of transportation and supports thelocal tourist industry. By bringing markets to people viatelecommunications, rather than forcing people to leave in search ofmarkets, urban migration is reduced and greater income and employmentpotential are generated in rural areas.

Unfortunately, the last decade of the telecommunications boom has notalleviated the disparities between urban and rural communities. Theaverage imbalance, in terms of telephone penetration, in Asia, forexample, is over ten to one and is often as high as twenty to 1.2. Thismeans that a country whose urban markets have a penetration of four (4)telephone lines per one-hundred (100) inhabitants, e.g., India andPakistan, has a rural penetration of less than 0.2 per one-hundred(100). The situation is more acute in most African countries and in someparts of Latin America. By comparison, the disparity in average incomelevel between urban and rural residents in the developing world isusually less than 4 to 1.

Current telephone systems are expensive to deploy. For example, atypical cellular system that includes a mobile switching center (MSC), abase station controller (BSC), and a home location register/visitorlocation register (HLR/VLR) can cost over $2.0 million. Moreover, such asystem may require a minimum of ten thousand users in order to beeconomically viable. In many rural areas, the population is not largeenough to support the installation of such a system. Further, in manycases, the conditions in which the equipment, e.g., the MSC, BSC, andHLR/VLR, are to be operated are extremely harsh and environmentallychallenging. An alternative to such a cellular system can include awired system, but the costs associated with deploying and maintainingland lines are too high for certain rural areas.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved communications systemthat is relatively inexpensive to deploy and relatively inexpensive tooperate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is pointed out with particularity in the appendedclaims. However, other features are described in the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a distributed and associative communicationsystem;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a network including a plurality of distributedmobile architectures;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a distributed management architectureserver;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a plurality of distributed mobile architectures;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary data structure for use by anauthentication, authorization, and accounting module of a distributedmobile architecture;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of determining a preferredcall path for calls to be routed outside of a DMA network;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of providing a callbetween a first mobile subscriber and a second mobile subscriber via asingle distributed mobile architecture;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of providing a callbetween a first mobile subscriber and a second mobile subscriber via afirst distributed mobile architecture and a second distributed mobilearchitecture;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of providing a callbetween a first mobile subscriber and a roaming second mobile subscribervia a first distributed mobile architecture and a third distributedmobile architecture;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of an exemplary communication system in which adistributed management architecture server can be incorporated;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a wireless local loop communication system inwhich a distributed management architecture server can be incorporated;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of plural wireless local loop communication systemsconnected to the public switched telephone network via a singleback-haul connection;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a communication system in which a distributedmanagement architecture server can be deployed to extend an existingcellular network;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a communication system in which a distributedmanagement architecture server can be deployed to cover urban fringearound an existing network;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a communication system in which a singledistributed management architecture server can be connected to pluralbase transceiver stations and can provide a single backhaul to thepublic switched telephone network;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of an in-building communication system in which adistributed management architecture server can be deployed;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a mobile in-field communication system in whichmultiple distributed management architecture servers can be deployed viamultiple vehicles;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a communication system in which a distributedmanagement architecture server can utilize a satellite connection as abackhaul connection;

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a communication system in which a distributedmanagement architecture server can receive multiple backhaul signals viamultiple satellite signals;

FIG. 20 is a diagram of a communication system in which a singledistributed management architecture server can be connected to multiplebase transceiver stations;

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a mobile communication system in which adistributed management architecture server can be deployed via anairplanes;

FIG. 22 is a diagram of a mobile communication system in which adistributed management architecture server can be deployed via a ship;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of deploying adistributed management architecture server; and

FIG. 24 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of replacing adistributed management architecture server;

FIG. 25 is a diagram of a network including a plurality of distributedmobile architectures utilizing a visitor location register gateway;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of registering a mobilesubscriber within a network of distributed mobile architectures;

FIG. 27 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of routing a call from awide area wireless network to a mobile subscriber; and

FIG. 28 is a flow chart to illustrate a method of placing a call to aroaming mobile subscriber visiting a node of a network of distributedmobile architectures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In one embodiment, a method of registering a mobile subscriber within anetwork including distributed mobile architecture nodes is disclosed.The method includes receiving a registration request from a mobilesubscriber at a first distributed mobile architecture node within thenetwork and storing an identifier of the first distributed mobilearchitecture node and the mobile subscriber at a memory location withina visitor location register (VLR) gateway that is coupled to an elementof a wide area wireless network.

In a particular embodiment, the element of the wide area wirelessnetwork is a mobile switching center that is coupled to a home locationregister (HLR), and the identifier can be forwarded from the VLR gatewayto the HLR. In another particular embodiment, the wide area wirelessnetwork is a cellular network. Further, the method can include sending amessage from the VLR gateway to the mobile switching center. Also, theidentifier of the mobile subscriber can include an international mobilestation identifier (IMSI) or an electronic serial number (ESN).

In a particular embodiment, the method further includes sending aregistration acknowledge message to the first distributed mobilearchitecture node after the identifier is stored in a visitor locationregister (VLR) of the VLR gateway. In another particular embodiment, themobile subscriber is located outside of a home location area associatedwith the mobile subscriber.

In yet another particular embodiment, a second distributed mobilearchitecture node is coupled to the VLR gateway. The second distributedmobile architecture node can receive the identifier from the firstdistributed mobile architecture node via a peer-to-peer data connectionof the network. Also, the second distributed mobile architecture nodecan store the identifier at the memory location of the VLR gateway. Thememory location can be within the second distributed mobile architecturenode.

In a particular embodiment, the method further includes receiving aconfirmation response at the VLR gateway in response to the message sentto the mobile switching center. The message can include the identifierand the confirmation response can confirm registration of the mobilesubscriber within the wide area wireless network. Additionally, aregistration acknowledge message may be sent to the first distributedmobile architecture node after receiving the confirmation response.

In another embodiment, a computer readable memory that is accessible toa distributed mobile architecture node of a distributed internetprotocol network is disclosed. The computer readable memory can includea first field to identify a visiting mobile subscriber unit and a secondfield to identify an address of one of the distributed mobilearchitecture nodes of the distributed internet protocol network. Thefirst field can store an international mobile station identifier (IMSI)of the mobile subscriber unit. The first field can also store anelectronic serial number (ESN) of the mobile subscriber unit. In aparticular embodiment, one of the distributed mobile architecture nodescommunicates with the visiting mobile subscriber unit.

In yet another embodiment, a visitor location register is disclosed. Inthis embodiment, the visitor location register can include a first itemto identify a first visiting mobile subscriber unit, a second item toidentify an address of a first of a plurality of distributed mobilearchitecture nodes of a distributed internet protocol network, a thirditem to identify a second visiting mobile subscriber unit, and a fourthitem to identify an address of a second of the distributed mobilearchitecture nodes of the distributed internet protocol network. Thefirst of the distributed mobile architecture nodes communicates with thefirst visiting mobile subscriber unit and the second of the distributedmobile architecture nodes may communicate with the second visitingmobile subscriber unit.

In another embodiment, a method of routing a call from a wide areawireless network to a mobile subscriber via a distributed mobilearchitecture network is disclosed. The method includes sending a routingrequest to a visitor location register gateway associated with a firstnode of the distributed mobile architecture network from a mobileswitching center of the wide area wireless network, accessing a visitorlocation register within the visitor location register gateway toidentify a distributed mobile architecture node associated with themobile subscriber, and sending a routing message from the first node ofthe distributed mobile architecture network to the distributed mobilearchitecture node associated with the mobile subscriber. In oneembodiment, the first node of the distributed mobile architecturenetwork is the distributed mobile architecture node associated with themobile subscriber.

In a particular embodiment, the method also can include establishing acommunication path from the distributed mobile architecture node to themobile subscriber. Further, the method may include communicating betweenthe mobile switching center and the mobile subscriber via thedistributed mobile architecture network. The visitor location registercan be located at an authentication, authorization, and accountingmodule of the first node of the distributed mobile architecture network.

In yet another embodiment, a method of placing a call is disclosed. Themethod includes sending a call routing request from a mobile switchingcenter to a node of a distributed mobile architecture network thatincludes a visitor location register that identifies a set of visitingmobile subscriber units, receiving an acknowledgement to the callrouting request from the node of the distributed mobile architecturenetwork, and placing the call from the mobile switching center to amobile subscriber unit. The mobile subscriber unit can be a roamingmobile subscriber unit that is identified as having a correspondingregister entry at the visitor location register.

In a particular embodiment, the node of the distributed mobilearchitecture network includes a housing, a mobile switching centermodule disposed within the housing, and a base station controller moduledisposed within the housing. The node of the distributed mobilearchitecture network can be coupled to another node of the distributedmobile architecture network via an internet protocol data connection.

Referring to FIG. 1, a non-limiting, exemplary embodiment of adistributed and associative telecommunications system is illustrated andis generally designated 100. As depicted in FIG. 1, the system 100includes four cellular coverage sites 102. Each coverage site 102includes an antenna 104. In one embodiment, the antenna 104 is connectedto a transceiver belonging to a base transceiver station (BTS) and theBTS is a 3-sector BTS. FIG. 1 also indicates that a distributed mobilearchitecture (DMA) 106 can be connected to each antenna 104. In oneembodiment, each DMA 106 is physically and directly connected to itsrespective antenna 104, e.g., by a wire or cable 108. Further, in anillustrative embodiment, each DMA 106 can include the componentsdescribed herein in conjunction with FIG. 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, each DMA 106 is interconnected with the otherDMAs 106 via an Internet protocol network 110. As such, there exists apeer-to-peer connection 112 between each DMA 106 in the system 100. TheDMAs 106 can handle telephony traffic that is communicated at eachantenna 104. For example, the DMAs 106 can switch and route callsreceived via each antenna 104. Additionally, the DMAs 106 can hand-offcalls to each other as mobile communication devices move around andbetween the cellular coverage sites 102. The DMAs 106 can communicatewith each other via the IP network 110 and can further transmit calls toeach other via the IP network 110. It should be understood that morethan four cellular coverage sites 102 can be included in the system andthat the inclusion of only four cellular coverage sites 102 in FIG. 1 ismerely for clarity and explanation purposes.

Within the distributed and associative communications system 100, thecontrolling logic can be distributed and de-centralized. Moreover, thewireless coverage provided by the disclosed system 100 is self-healingand redundant. In other words, due to the interconnectivity via the IPnetwork 110, if one or more of the DMAs 106 loses power, fails, or isotherwise inoperable, telephony traffic handled by the inoperable DMA106 can re-routed to one of the remaining operable DMAs 106.Additionally, user data stored in a database, e.g., a home locatorresource (HLR) or a visitor locator resource (VLR), can be distributedequally and fully among all of the DMAs 106. It can also be appreciatedthat new cellular coverage sites can be easily added to the system 100as the demand for users increases. Specifically, a DMA can be deployed,connected to an antenna, connected to the IP network, and activated toprovide cellular coverage in a new area.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a network system,generally designated 200, that includes a plurality of DMAs. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the system 200 can include an Internet protocol(IP) peer-to-peer network that includes a first distributed mobilearchitecture 202 that is coupled to a second distributed mobilearchitecture 204 and to a third distributed mobile architecture 206.Further, the second distributed mobile architecture 204 is coupled tothe third distributed mobile architecture 206.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first mobile subscriber 208 and a second mobilesubscriber 210 are wirelessly coupled to the first distributed mobilearchitecture 202. A first mobile subscriber 212 and a second mobilesubscriber 214 are wirelessly coupled to the second distributed mobilearchitecture 204. Additionally, a first mobile subscriber 216 and asecond mobile subscriber 218 are wirelessly coupled to the thirddistributed mobile architecture 206. FIG. 3 further indicates that amobile switching center (MSC) interface 220 can be coupled to the firstdistributed mobile architecture 202 to provide access to a mobiletelephone network, such as a cellular telephone network. Further, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) interface 222 is coupled to thesecond distributed mobile architecture 204 to provide access to a VoIPnetwork. FIG. 3 also shows that an integrated services digital network(ISDN) interface 224 can be coupled to the third distributed mobilearchitecture 206 to provide connectivity to an ISDN.

In a particular embodiment, as described in detail herein, a mobilesubscriber can communicate with another mobile subscriber via the firstdistributed mobile architecture 202, the second distributed mobilearchitecture 204, or the third distributed mobile architecture 206.Further, in a particular embodiment, a mobile subscriber can communicatewith another mobile subscriber via the first distributed mobilearchitecture 202 and the second distributed mobile architecture 204, thefirst distributed mobile architecture 202 and the third distributedmobile architecture 206, and the second distributed mobile architecture204 and the third distributed mobile architecture 206. Additionally, ina particular embodiment, a mobile subscriber can communicate withanother mobile subscriber via the first distributed mobile architecture202, the second distributed mobile architecture 204, or the thirddistributed mobile architecture 206.

Further, in a particular embodiment, the first mobile subscriber 210 ofthe first DMA 202 can be connected locally to the second mobilesubscriber 210 of the first DMA 202 after locating the second mobilesubscriber 210 within the a home location register (HLR) within thefirst DMA 202. Additionally, the first or second mobile subscriber 210,212 of the first DMA 202 can be connected to the first or second mobilesubscriber 212, 214 of the second DMA 204 after locating the first orsecond mobile subscriber 212, 214 of the second DMA 204 within a secondcommunity location register (CLR) associated with the second DMA 202that is stored within the first DMA 202. Moreover, the first or secondmobile subscriber 210, 212 of the first DMA 202 can be connected to thefirst or second mobile subscriber 216, 218 of the third DMA 206 afterlocating the first or second mobile subscriber 216, 218 of the third DMA206 within a third community location register (CLR) associated with thethird DMA 206 that is stored within the first DMA 202.

As a mobile subscriber roams into a coverage area that is not providedby the DMA to which the mobile subscriber is registered, the mobilesubscriber can be temporarily registered with a new DMA while the mobilesubscriber is roaming. CLR information concerning the roaming mobilesubscriber can be obtained from the new DMA in order to complete a callto the roaming mobile subscriber.

In another particular embodiment, calls can be made from a mobilesubscriber to an external destination, i.e., external to the DMAnetwork, via the MSC interface 220, the VoIP interface 222, or the ISDNinterface 224. A user can create a preferred hierarchy of interfaces tomake calls external to the DMA network. As such, a user can indicatethat all calls made from a mobile subscriber to an external device areto be established via the VoIP interface 222. If the VoIP interface 222is unavailable, a second preferred interface can be used to establishthe external call.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary, non-limiting, embodiment of a DMA, e.g., oneof the DMAs 106 described in conjunction with FIG. 1, one of the DMAs202, 204, 206 shown in FIG. 2, or one of the DMAs 2500, 2502, 2504 asshown in FIG. 25. In a particular embodiment, the DMA 106 includes aprocessor, or computer, having a housing and a computer readable medium300 that is disposed therein. A power supply 302 can also be disposedwithin the housing of the DMA 106 in order to provide power to the DMA106. The power supply 302 can be a rechargeable battery disposed withinthe DMA 106 or it can be external to the DMA 106, i.e., a standard poweroutlet. Moreover, a cooling system 304, e.g., a fan with a thermostat,can be within the DMA 106 in order to keep the DMA 106 from overheating.In an alternative embodiment, the DMA 106 can be a single boardprocessor that does not require a fan.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the DMA 106 can include a mobile switching center(MSC) module 306 and a base station controller (BSC) module 308 embeddedwithin the computer readable medium 300. In an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment, the MSC module 306 can include a gatekeeper (GK) 310 that isconnected to several gateways. For example, a circuit gateway (CGW) 312can be connected to the GK 310 and can provide connectivity to anintegrated services digital network/public switched telephone network(ISDN/PSTN) interface 314. The CGW 312 can provide a circuit switched topacket data conversion. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, thePSTN portion of the ISDN/PSTN interface 314 can be an inter-officeinterface that uses the Bellcore industry standard ISDN user part (ISUP)signaling on a signaling system seven (SS7) link set. Moreover, thevoice trunks on this interface can be timeslots on a T1 connection.Inbound and outbound voice calls can be supported on the ISDN portion ofthe ISDN/PSTN interface 314.

As further illustrated in FIG. 3, a packet data service node (PDSN)gateway 316 for CDMA, or a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) for GlobalSystem for Mobile Communication (GSM), and a Session Initiation Protocol(SIP) gateway 318 can also be connected to the GK 310. The PDSN gateway316 and the SIP gateway 318 can provide connectivity to an Internetprotocol (IP) interface 320. Further, the PDSN gateway 316 or a GGSN canestablish a reverse tunnel with the PDSN or GGSN gateway 316 usinggeneric routing encapsulation (GRE). Moreover, the PDSN gateway 316, orGGSN, can implement the Pseudo Random Function (PRF)/Foreign Agent (FA)functionality of the DMA 106 which supports mobile IP functions.

FIG. 3 further shows an SS7 gateway 322 that provides connectivity to anANSI-41 and GSM Mobile Application Part (MAP) interface 324. In aparticular embodiment, the ANSI-41 interface can be an SS7 TCAP/SCCPinterface on the same SS7 link set used for ISUP signaling. The same SS7point code can be used to identify the DMA 106 in the ANSI-41 network.The ANSI-41 interface can be used for roamer registration. Further, inan exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the GSM MAP interface can be anSS7 TCAP/SCCP interface on the same SS7 link set used for ISUPsignaling. It can be appreciated that there are different protocols ofMAP from MAP/B to MAP/I, but in the illustrative embodiment, thedifferent MAP/x protocols are not stacked—they are used independently.

As depicted in FIG. 3, a media gateway 326 can also be coupled to the GK310. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the media gateway 326 caninclude cellular transcoders, one or more intranet gateways,conferencing bridges, and group calling functionality. Further, anauthentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) module 328 can becoupled to the GK 310. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, thereare three levels of authentication management. The highest level is foradministration, the mid-level is for operations, and the lowest level isfor normal users. The functions of the AAA module 328 can be included inthe user level.

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the GK 310 can act as an AAAserver and a feather server to support advanced supplementary service,short message service, etc. Moreover, the GK 310 can act as a callmanager and can support ISUP and PSTN function calls. Additionally, theGK 310 can act as a signal gateway, e.g., IP to SS7 inter-working, ISUP,GSM MAP or ANSI-41 to PSTN and ANSI-42/GSM. The GK 310 can also functionas a data call server.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the BSC module 308 includes a cellular radionetwork controller (CRNC) 330 and a cellular selection/distribution unit(CSDU) 332 that are connected to a call protocol controller (CPC) 334.In turn, the CPC 334 can be connected to a plurality of base transceiverstations (BTSs) 336. Specifically, the DMA 106 includes a BTS interface338 at the CPC 334 that can be physically and directly connected to theBTSs 336. The CRNC 330 can provide cellular radio resource managementand cellular call control. The CSDU 332 can provide Fundamental Channel(FCH) soft handoff and distribution, Link Access Control (LAC)processing for inband signaling, multiplexer (MUX) functions, andcentralized power control. Further, the CPC 334 can convert a T1 or E1message or ATM interface to a data packet message. In a particularembodiment, each BTS 336 supports signals and traffic up to the frontpoint of the CPC 334, e.g., up to the BTS interface 338. Further, in aparticular embodiment, the CRNC 330, the CPC 334, the CSDU 332 and theOAMP 340 can perform one or more of the functions of legacy Base StationControllers (BSC).

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the BTS interface 338 can bean IS-95A OR IS-2000 interface over E1 or ATM, or the BTS interface 338can be a GSM BTS interface using MAP or customized application formobile network enhanced logic (CAMEL). In an illustrative embodiment,the CPC 334 can be connected to one or more BTSs 336. FIG. 3 furthershows that the BSC module 308 includes an operations, administration,maintenance, and provisioning (OAMP) module 340. In an exemplary,non-limiting embodiment, the OAMP module 340 can use simple networkmanagement protocol (SNMP) for operations interfaces. Further, the OAMPmodule 340 can include a JAVA user interface. The OAMP module 340 canalso include a software agent that is assigned to each component withinthe DMA 106. The agents independently monitor their respectivecomponents. Moreover, each agent can provision its respective component.

In a particular embodiment, a DMA can be implemented as a system or adevice. For example, a DMA system or a DMA device can include a DMAserver or a DMA on board processor.

FIG. 4 depicts a plurality of DMAs. Particularly, FIG. 4 depicts a firstDMA 400, a second DMA 402, and a third DMA 404. FIG. 4 indicates that,in general, each DMA 400 includes a visitor location register (VLR), ahome location register (HLR), and at least one community locationregister (CLR). In a particular embodiment, the VLR, HLR, and the CLRwithin each DMA 400, 402, 404 are part of an AAA module within each DMA400, 402, 404. For example, the HLR, VLR, and CLR may be within the AAAmodule 328 of the exemplary DMA of FIG. 3.

In a particular embodiment, as indicated in FIG. 4, the first DMA 400includes a VLR 406, an HLR 408, a second CLR 410, and a third CLR 412.Further, the second DMA 402 includes a VLR 414, a first CLR 416, an HLR418, and a third CLR 420. Additionally, the third DMA 404 includes a VLR422, a first CLR 424, a second CLR 426, and an HLR 428.

In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the first CLR 416 within thesecond DMA 402 and the first CLR 424 within the third DMA 404 correspondto the HLR 408 of the first DMA 400. More particularly, the first CLR416 within the second DMA 402 and the first CLR 424 within the third DMA404 include information that is stored within the HLR 408 of the firstDMA server 400.

Additionally, in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the second CLR410 within the first DMA 400 and the second CLR 426 within the third DMA404 correspond to the HLR 418 of the second DMA 402. More particularly,the second CLR 410 within the first DMA 400 and the second CLR 426within the third DMA 404 include the information that is stored withinthe HLR 418 of the second DMA server 402.

Also, in an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the third CLR 412 withinthe first DMA 400 and the third CLR 420 within the second DMA 402correspond to the HLR 428 of the third DMA 404. More particularly, thethird CLR 412 within the first DMA 400 and the third CLR 420 within thesecond DMA 402 include the information that is stored within the HLR 428of the third DMA server 404.

FIG. 4 further indicates that the first DMA 400 can include adestination preference register (DPR) 430. Also, the second DMA 402 caninclude a DPR 432. Moreover, the third DMA 404 can also include a DPR434. In a particular embodiment, each DPR 430, 432, 434 includes apreference for a call path to be used to place calls outside of a DMAnetwork provided by the DMAs 400, 402, 404. In a particular embodiment,the preference is established for each mobile subscriber registered withthe DMA network. In another embodiment, the preference is establishedfor each DMA within the DMA network.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of anauthentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) module is shown andis generally designated 500. The AAA module depicted in FIG. 5 can beembedded within any of the DMAs that are described herein. As indicatedin FIG. 5, the AAA module 500 includes data associated with an HLR 502,a second CLR 504, a third CLR 506, and a VLR 508. As shown, the HLR 502data includes a plurality of IP addresses that can be used to establishone or more telephone calls within a first DMA in which the AAA module500 is embedded. The HLR 502 data further includes a GPS location of thefirst DMA in which the AAA 500 is embedded.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second CLR 504 and the third CLR 506include one or more IP addresses that can be used to establish one ormore telephone calls via a second and third DMA that are coupled to thefirst DMA in which the AAA module 500 is embedded. The second CLR 504and the third CLR 506 also include a GPS location for the second andthird DMA that are coupled to the first DMA in which the AAA module 500is embedded. Further, the second CLR 502 and the third CLR 504 include aneighborhood (NB) list to identify neighboring DMAs that are locatedproximately to the DMA in which the AAA module 500 is embedded.

FIG. 5 further indicates the data associated with the HLR 502, thesecond CLR 504, the third CLR 506, and the VLR 508 include at least oneinternational mobile subscriber identification (IMSI) 512 and at leastone electronic series number (ESN) 514. Moreover, the HLR 502, thesecond CLR 504, and the third CLR 506 records also include at least onemobile directory number (MDN) 516. In a particular embodiment, the HLR502 includes a location 518 for at least one mobile subscriber that isregistered with the HLR 502.

As shown in FIG. 5, the HLR 502 and the VLR 508 further include at leastone temporary location directory number (TLDN) 520, a registrationindicator 522, a timer 524, a mobile switching center (MSC) preferenceindicator 526, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) preferenceindicator 528, and a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) preferenceindicator 530. And a timer interval given to the visited mobile to beregistered.

As shown in FIG. 5, the AAA module 500 can also include a DPR 530. Asshown the DPR 530 includes at least one MDN prefix 532. Further, the DPR530 includes a first preferred destination indicator 534, a secondpreferred destination indicator 536, and a third preferred destinationindicator 538. In a particular embodiment, the preferred destinationindicators 534, 536, 638 indicate a hierarchy of call paths that may beused to place calls outside a DMA network provided by one or more DMAs.For example, the first preferred destination indicator 534 can be a VoIPcall path, the second preferred destination indicator 536 can be an ISDNcall path, and the third destination indicator can be an MSC call path.

As such, in an illustrative embodiment, when a mobile subscriberattempts to call a particular MDN that is not within the HLR 502, thesecond CLR 504, or the third CLR 506, the AAA module 500 can match theprefix of the MDN to the at least one MDN prefix in order to determine apreferred call path destination for establishing a call outside of theDMA network provided by the DMA in which the AAA module 500 is embedded.Accordingly, if a user wishes to save money, the user can choose to makecalls outside of the DMA network via a VoIP interface. In anotherexample, if a user wishes to have a higher call quality, the user canchoose to make calls outside of the DMA network via an ISDN interface.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method of determining a preferred call path forcalls to be routed outside of a DMA network is shown and commences atblock 600. At block 600, a DMA registers a mobile subscriber within ahome location register (HLR) of the DMA. At block 602, the DMA receivesa call directed to a destination mobile directory number (MDN) that isnot within any community location register (CLR) stored within the DMA.In a particular embodiment, this is an indication that the call is beingmade to a mobile directory number that is outside of a DMA networkprovided by one or more DMAs. Moving to block 604, the DMA determines apreferred call path based on the prefix of the MDN. In a particularembodiment, the DMA can match the prefix of the MDN with an MDN prefixwithin a destination preference register (DPR) stored within the DMA inorder to determine a hierarchy of preferred call paths for routing thecall to the MDN. In a particular embodiment, the MDN is a ten digittelephone number, e.g., 222-333-4444, and the prefix of the MDN can bethe first three digits of the number, e.g., 222. Further, in aparticular embodiment, the preferred call path can be placed over a VoIPinterface, an ISDN interface, or an MSC interface.

Proceeding to decision step 606, the DMA determines whether an interfaceassociated with a selected first preferred the call path is available.If so, the method continues to block 608 and the DMA establishes thecall to the MDN outside of the DMA network via a DMA server that routesthe call over the preferred call path. The method then ends at state610. For example, with reference to FIG. 2, if the first subscriber 208of the first DMA 202 includes a first preferred call path that is set toISDN and the ISDN interface at the third DMA 206 is available, a callfrom the first subscriber 208 of the first DMA 202 to an external devicecan be routed to the third DMA 206. In turn, the third DMA 206 can routethe external device via the ISDN interface 224.

Returning to decision step 606, if the first preferred call path is notavailable, the DMA determines the next preferred call path for thematching MDN prefix within the DPR. The method then returns to decisionstep 606 and continues as described herein. Again, with reference toFIG. 2, if the ISDN interface 224 is unavailable, a call to an externaldevice can be routed to the first DMA 202, which can route the call tothe external device via the MSC interface 220. Additionally, if the ISDNinterface 224 and the MSC interface 220 are unavailable, a call to anexternal device can be routed to the second DMA 204, which can route thecall to the external device via the VoIP interface. In a particularembodiment, if none of the preferred call paths are available, the DMAcan indicate that the call cannot be connected.

Referring to FIG. 7, a method of establishing communication via adistributed mobile architecture (DMA) is shown and commences at block700. At block 700, the DMA registers a first mobile subscriber withinthe home location register (HLR) of the DMA. Next, at block 702, the DMAregisters a second mobile subscriber within the home location register(HLR) of the DMA. Moving to block 704, the DMA receives a call from thefirst mobile subscriber to the second mobile subscriber. At block 706,the DMA locates the first mobile subscriber within the home locationregister of the DMA. Next, at block 708, the DMA locates the secondmobile subscriber within the home location register of the DMA.Proceeding to block 710, the DMA connects the call between the firstmobile subscriber and the second mobile subscriber via one or more localIP addresses within the DMA. The method then ends at state 712.

FIG. 8 depicts a method of establishing communication via a firstdistributed mobile architecture (DMA) and a second DMA. Beginning atblock 800, the first DMA registers a first mobile subscriber within ahome location register (HLR) of the first DMA. At block 802, the secondDMA registers a second mobile subscriber within the home locationregister (HLR) of the second DMA. Thereafter, at block 804, the firstDMA pre-fetches the home location register (HLR) information from thesecond DMA and stores it within a second community location register(CLR) at the first DMA. In a particular embodiment, the first DMA andthe second DMA can be linked to each other via an IP network.

Moving to block 806, the first DMA receives a call from the first mobilesubscriber to be routed to the second mobile subscriber. At block 808,the first DMA locates the first mobile subscriber within the homelocation register (HLR) of the first DMA. Proceeding to block 810, thefirst DMA locates the second mobile subscriber within the secondcommunity location register (CLR) associated with the second DMA. Atblock 812, the first DMA sends a location update request (LocUpdate) tothe second DMA. Next, at block 814, the first DMA receives anacknowledgement from the second DMA. In an illustrative embodiment, theacknowledgement includes the current address of the second mobilesubscriber within the second DMA. Continuing to block 816, the first DMAconnects the first mobile subscriber to the second mobile subscriber viathe first DMA and the second DMA by assigning an IP address at both thefirst DMA and the second DMA. The method then ends at state 818.

Referring to FIG. 9, a method of establishing communication between afirst mobile subscriber and a second mobile subscriber that is roamingis shown and commences at block 900. At block 900, a first distributedmobile architecture (DMA) registers a first mobile subscriber within ahome location register (HLR) of the first DMA. At block 902, a secondDMA registers a second mobile subscriber within a home location register(HLR) of the second DMA. Moving to block 904, the first DMA receives thehome location register (HLR) information from the second DMA and storesit within a second community location register (CLR) at the first DMA.

Proceeding to block 906, a third DMA registers the second mobilesubscriber within a visitor location register (VLR) of the third DMA. Ina particular embodiment, this indicates that the second mobilesubscriber has roamed into a coverage area controlled by the third DMA.At block 908, the third DMA sends the registration information of thesecond mobile subscriber to the second DMA.

Moving to block 910, the first DMA receives a call from the first mobilesubscriber to be routed to the second mobile subscriber. Thereafter, atblock 912, the first DMA locates the first mobile subscriber within thehome location register (HLR) of the first DMA. At block 914, the firstDMA locates the second mobile subscriber within the second communitylocation register (CLR) that is associated with the second DMA.

Proceeding to block 916, the first DMA sends a location update request(LocUpdate) to the second DMA. At block 918, the second DMA sends thelocation update (LocUpdate) to the third DMA. Then, at block 920, thesecond DMA receives an acknowledgement from the third DMA. In aparticular embodiment, the acknowledgement includes a current address ofthe second mobile subscriber within the third DMA. For example, thethird DMA can retrieve the current address of the second mobilesubscriber from the VLR within the third DMA. Continuing to block 922,the first DMA receives the acknowledgement from the second DMA with theaddress of the second mobile subscriber. Next, at block 924, the firstDMA connects the first mobile subscriber to the second mobile subscribervia the first DMA and the third DMA. For example, an IP address at thethird DMA is assigned to the call and is used to route the call over anIP network between the first DMA and the third DMA. The method then endsat state 926.

Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of atelecommunications system is shown and is generally designated 1000. Asshown, the system includes one or more DMAs 1002 that are connected to awireless carrier's central MSC 1004. The DMA(s) 1002 can be connected tothe MSC 1004 via an E1 CCS (G.703, G732) connection, or any otherapplicable connection. The MSC 1004, in turn, is connected to a codedivision multiple access (CDMA) network 1006. FIG. 10 further shows thatthe DMA(s) 1002 can be connected to a switching transfer point (STP)1008 of a stand-alone carrier. As shown, the DMA 1002 can be connectedto the STP 1008 via an IS-41+IS-880 (DS0) connection, or an ISUP ITU N7connection.

As further depicted in FIG. 10, the STP 1008 can be connected to a shortmessaging service (SMS) server 1010 in order to provide text-messagingcapabilities for the mobile communication devices using the system 1000shown in FIG. 10. Additionally, the STP 1008 can be connected to a homelocation register (HLR) 1012, a pre-paid wireless server 1014 and aninternational roaming network 1016 in order to provide pre-paid servicesand roaming between multiple countries. FIG. 10 shows that the DMA(s)1002 can be connected to the PSTN 1018 via an E1 CCS (G.703, G732)connection, or any other appropriate connection.

Referring to FIG. 11, a wireless local loop (WLL) system is portrayedand is generally designated 1100. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the system1100 includes a DMA 1102 that is connected to a BTS 1104. The BTS 1104,in turn, is connected to an antenna 1106. The antenna 1106 providescellular coverage for one or more subscribers 1108 within transmissiondistance of the antenna 1106. FIG. 11 indicates that the system 1100 canfurther include a data network connection 1110 from the DMA 1102. Thedata network connection 1110 can connect the DMA 1102 to the PSTN via anISUP/ISDN signaling connection on an SS7 link set or a T1/E1 wirelessconnection. Further, the data network connection 1110 can be an IEEE802.11 connection between the DMA 1102 depicted in FIG. 11 and otherDMAs not shown. The DMA 1102 can beneficially utilize existinginfrastructure used for cellular and SMS data services.

FIG. 12 shows a multi-WLL system, generally designated 1200. As shown,the system 1200 includes a plurality of WLLs 1202. Each WLL 1202 caninclude a DMA 1204 and an antenna 1206 connected thereto to provide acellular coverage site around the antenna 1206. As illustrated in FIG.12, the WLLs 1202 can be interconnected via a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN), or a wide area network, such as a microwave connection.Moreover, a DMA 1204 within one of the WLLs 1202 can provide a back-haulconnection 1208 to the PSTN 1210. This type of deployment scenario cangreatly reduce the costs associated with a wireless system. Since theDMAs 1204 are connected to each other via the WLAN or microwaveconnections, the relatively expensive inter-site back-haul component isremoved. Further, using the hand-off logic, the DMAs 1204 can enableroaming between the WLLs 1202 and can further provide roaming to anexternal wireless or other network.

Referring to FIG. 13, a telecommunications system is depicted and isdesignated 1300. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the system 1300 includes aDMA 1302 that can be connected to a plurality of BTSs 1304. Each BTS1304 can provide cellular coverage for one or more mobile communicationdevices 1306, e.g., one or more mobile handsets configured tocommunicate via the DMA 1302. FIG. 13 further shows that the DMA 1302can be connected to an MSC 1308, such as an MSC of an existing cellularsystem. The DMA 1302 can be connected to the MSC via an IS-41 subset ora MAP subset over a wireless E1/T1 connection. With this implementation,the DMA 1302 can extend an existing cellular network when connected toan existing cellular system MSC 1308.

FIG. 14 shows an additional telecommunications system, generallydesignated 1400. As shown, the system 1400 includes a city area coveragesite 1402 and an urban fringe/nearby village coverage site 1404. In anexemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the city area coverage site 1402includes a first MSC/BSC center 1406 connected to a second MSC/BSCcenter 1408. Also, a first representative BTS 1410 and a secondrepresentative BTS 1412 are connected to the first MSC/BSC center 1406.The particular deployment of equipment is configured to provide adequatecellular coverage for mobile communication devices within the city areacoverage site 1402.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the urban fringe/nearby village coverage site1404 includes a DMA 1414 having a plurality of BTSs 1416 connectedthereto. The DMA 1414 can provide hand-off of calls between the BTSs1416 and can switch calls made between the BTSs 1416 locally. However,the DMA 1414 within the urban fringe/nearby village coverage site 1404can also connect telephony traffic to the first MSC/BSC center 1406within the city area coverage site 1402 via a data network connection1418. In one embodiment, the data network connection can be an E1connection, a T1 connection, a microwave connection, or an 802.11connection established via an IS-41 subset or MAP subset. The deploymentof a DMA 1414 in a location such as that described above, i.e., in urbanfringe or in a nearby village, and the connection of the DMA 1414 to anMSC/BSC center 1406 in a city area, can provide service to potentialwireless customers that typically would not receive cellular coveragefrom the city area cellular coverage site 1402. Thus, new subscribersreceive access to wireless communication service and can furthercommunicate with wireless customers within the city area cellularcoverage site 1402.

Referring now to FIG. 15, another telecommunications system is depictedand is designated 1500. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the system 1500includes a DMA 1502 that can be connected to a plurality of BTSs 1504.Each BTS 1504 can provide cellular coverage for one or more mobilecommunication devices 1506. FIG. 15 further shows that the DMA 1502 caninclude a data network connection 1508 that provides a back-haulconnection to the PSTN 1510. In one embodiment, the data networkconnection can be an E1 connection, a T1 connection, a cable connection,a microwave connection, or a satellite connection. Moreover, the system1500 depicted in FIG. 15 can be deployed using CDMA IS-95, CDMA 1X,GSM/GPRS, W-CDMA, or other industry standard technologies.

Using a single back-haul connection greatly minimizes costs associatedwith the wireless communication network. Further, the system 1500 shownin FIG. 15 can be deployed relatively rapidly and can be maintainedremotely. Additionally, with the inclusion of the OAMP module 540 (FIG.5) and the AAA module 528 (FIG. 5), subscriber accounts can be managedlocally and billing can be performed locally, i.e., within the DMA 1502.Moreover, as the number of subscribers increase, the size of the systemcan be increased modularly, e.g., by adding DMAs, corresponding BTSs,and the appropriate connections.

FIG. 16 illustrates an in-building telecommunications network that isgenerally designated 1600. FIG. 16 depicts a structure 1602, e.g., anoffice building, a commercial building, a house, etc. An enterpriselocal area network (LAN) 1604 is installed within the building 1602. Amicro-BTS 1606 is connected to the enterprise LAN 1604. Moreover, avoice mail server 1608 and plural enterprise services servers 1610 areconnected to the enterprise LAN 1604. In an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment, the enterprise services servers 1610 can include a dynamichost configuration protocol (DHCP) server, a radius server, a domainname server (DNS), etc. As depicted in FIG. 16, a plurality of phones1612, e.g., IP desk phones can be connected to the enterprise LAN 1604.

FIG. 16 further indicates that an office DMA 1614 can be connected tothe enterprise LAN 1604. The office DMA 1614 can also be connected tothe PSTN 1616, which, in turn, can be connected to a cellular voice anddata network 1618. The enterprise LAN 1604 can also be connected to thecellular voice and data network 1618 via an Internet protocol (IP)network 1620. A signaling system seven (SS7) network 1622 can beconnected to the cellular voice and data network 1618 and the IP network1620. FIG. 16 also depicts an SS7 gateway 1624 between the SS7 network1622 and the IP network 1620 and a firewall 1626 between the enterpriseLAN 1604 and the IP network 1620. FIG. 16 shows a wireless communicationdevice 1628 in communication with the cellular voice and data network1618 and the micro-BTS 1606.

Referring to FIG. 17, a mobile in-field telecommunications system isdepicted and is generally designated 1700. As depicted, the system 1700includes a plurality of mobile cellular coverage sites 1702. Each mobilecellular coverage site 1702 includes a vehicle 1704 in which a field DMA1706 is disposed. Moreover, a BTS 1708 is disposed within each vehicle1704 and is in direct physical connection with the field DMA 1706, e.g.,by a wire or cable connected there between. The field DMA 1706 and theBTS 1708 can be removably installed within the vehicle 1704 orpermanently affixed therein. FIG. 17 further indicates that each BTS1708 can include an antenna 1710 that is designed to communicate withmobile communication devices. Also, each field DMA 1706 includes anantenna 1712. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the field DMAs1706 can communicate wirelessly with each other via the antennae 1712,e.g., via 802.11a, 802.11b, microwaves, or other wireless link.

The mobile cellular coverage sites 1702 can be deployed to provide atemporary web of cellular coverage for a plurality of mobilecommunication devices, e.g., devices carried by soldiers during abattle. The mobile in-field communications system 1700 can be recalled,moved, and re-deployed as necessary. Further, the system can include awireless connection, e.g., 802.11a, 802.11b, microwaves, to the PSTN1714.

Referring to FIG. 18, still another telecommunications system isillustrated and is generally designated 1800. As depicted in FIG. 18,the system 1800 includes a DMA 1802 that is connected to a BTS 1804. TheBTS 1804, in turn, is connected to an antenna 1806. FIG. 18 furtherillustrates that a first satellite transceiver 1808 is also connected tothe DMA 1802. The first satellite transceiver 1808 communicates with asecond satellite transceiver 1810 via a satellite 1812. Additionally,the second satellite transceiver 1810 includes a data network connection1814, e.g., a T1 connection, or an E1 connection. The satellitetransceivers 1808, 1810 and the satellite 1812 can provide a backhaulconnection for the DMA 1802. Or, the satellite transceivers 1808, 1810and the satellite 1812 can connect the DMA 1802 to an additional DMA(not shown).

FIG. 19 shows yet another telecommunications system that is generallydesignated 1900. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the system includes a DMA1902 that is connected to a first satellite transceiver 1904. Moreover,the DMA 1902 includes a primary network connection 1906, e.g., a T1connection, or an E1 connection, and a secondary network connection1908, e.g., an IP connection. FIG. 19 shows that the first satellitetransceiver 1904 communicates with a second satellite transceiver 1910and a third satellite transceiver 1912 via a satellite 1914. Each of thesecond and third satellite transceivers 1910, 1912 is connected to aninterworking unit (IWU) 1916 via a data network connection 1918, e.g.,an IP connection. Each IWU 1916 is connected to a BTS 1920, which inturn, is connected to an antenna 1922. The satellite transceivers 1904,1910, 1912 provide an IP network extension for the DMA 1902. Moreover,in the deployment illustrated in FIG. 19, the DMA 1902 can act as acentralized micro-switch for handling calls received at the antennas1922 and transmitted via the second and third satellite transceivers1910, 1912.

Referring to FIG. 20, another telecommunications system is depicted andis designated 2000. As shown, the system 2000 includes a DMA 2002 havinga primary network connection 2004. Moreover, the DMA 2002 can beconnected to a plurality of IWUs 2006. In an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment, the DMA 2002 can be connected to each IWU 2006 via asecondary network connection 2008, such as a category five (Cat 5) cableconnection, a microwave connection, or a WLAN connection. Further, eachIWU 2006 is connected to a BTS 2010 and each BTS 2010, in turn, isconnected to an antenna 2012. Each BTS 2010 can be a 3-sector BTS. Inthe deployment depicted in FIG. 20, the DMA 2002 can act as acentralized micro-switch that can be used to handle telephony trafficreceived at the antennae 2012.

FIG. 21 illustrates yet another embodiment of a communications system,designated 2100. As shown, the system 2100 includes an airplane 2102 inwhich a DMA 2104 is installed. As shown, the DMA 2104 is coupled to aBTS 2106 and a first satellite transceiver 2108. FIG. 21 also shows amobile communication device 2110 within the airplane 2102. The mobilecommunication device 2110 can be in wireless communication with the BTS2106.

In a particular embodiment, the first satellite transceiver 2108 cancommunicate with a second satellite transceiver 2112 via a satellite2114. As shown, the second satellite transceiver 2112 can be connectedto a terrestrial server gateway 2116, e.g. a DMA gateway, that canprovide connectivity to operations and management platform (OMP) 2118, acall detail record (CDR) 2120, and a visitor location register gateway(VLR-GW) 2122. The OMP 2118, the CDR 212, and the VRL-GW 2122 can beseparate from or incorporated within the server gateway 2116. FIG. 21further shows that the server gateway 2116 can be connected to a firstmobile switching center (MSC) 2124 that is coupled to a second MSC 2126.

Accordingly, the system 2100 shown in FIG. 21 can allow a user in theairplane 2102 to communicate with a ground based telephone. For example,the mobile communication device 2110 can communicate with the BTS 2106,which, in turn, can communicate with the first satellite transceiver2108 via the DMA 2104. Further, the first satellite transceiver 2108 cantransmit the call to a ground based communication system via the secondsatellite transceiver 2112 and the satellite 2114.

FIG. 21 shows a single airplane, however, multiple airplanes can beconfigured as described herein to provide communication from multipleairplanes to ground based telephones. Further, airplane-to-airplanecommunication can be provided. Additionally, the system 2100 can includeother airborne vehicles, e.g., blimps.

FIG. 22 illustrates yet another embodiment of a communications system,designated 2200. As shown, the system 2200 includes a ship 2202 in whicha DMA 2204 is installed. As shown, the DMA 2204 is coupled to a BTS 2206and a first satellite transceiver 2208. FIG. 22 also shows a mobilecommunication device 2210 within the ship 2202. The mobile communicationdevice 2210 can be in wireless communication with the BTS 2206.

In a particular embodiment, the first satellite transceiver 2208 cancommunicate with a second satellite transceiver 2212 via a satellite2214. As shown, the second satellite transceiver 2212 can be connectedto a terrestrial server gateway 2216, e.g. a DMA gateway, that canprovide connectivity to operations and management platform (OMP) 2218, acall detail record (CDR) 2220, and a visitor location register gateway(VLR-GW) 2222. The OMP 2218, the CDR 222, and the VRL-GW 2222 can beseparate from or incorporated within the server gateway 2216. FIG. 22further shows that the server gateway 2216 can be connected to a firstmobile switching center (MSC) 2224 that is coupled to a second MSC 2226.

Accordingly, the system shown in FIG. 2200 can allow a user within theship 2202 to communicate with a ground-based telephone. For example, themobile communication device 2210 can communicate with the BTS 2206,which, in turn, can communicate with the first satellite transceiver2208 via the DMA 2204. Further, the first satellite transceiver 2208 cantransmit the call to a ground based communication system via the secondsatellite transceiver 2212 and the satellite 2214.

FIG. 22 shows a single ship, however, multiple ships can be configuredas described herein to provide communication from multiple ships toground based telephones. Further, ship-to-ship communication can beprovided. Additionally, the system 2200 can include other waterbornevehicles.

Referring to FIG. 23, a method of deploying a distributed managementarchitecture server is shown and commences at block 2300 wherein duringdeployment, the succeeding steps are performed. At block 2302, the DMAis moved to a desired location proximate to a BTS. Moving to block 2304,the DMA is opened. For example, if the DMA is the DMA shown in FIG. 1,the latch is unlocked and the lid is rotated about the hinges into theopen position. Proceeding to block 2306, a physical connection isestablished between the DMA and the BTS, e.g., the BTS is coupled to theDMA via a wire.

Continuing to block 2308, the DMA is activated, e.g., powered on. Atblock 2310, a network connection is established with another remote DMA.In a particular embodiment, the network connection is a peer-to-peerconnection between the DMAs. Moving to block 2312, DMA software withinthe DMA is activated. Thereafter, at decision step 2314, it isdetermined whether the system is operational. That decision can be aperformed by the DMA, e.g., by a self-diagnostic routine or modulewithin the DMA. Alternatively, that decision can be determined manuallyby a technician. If the system is not operational, a system check isperformed at step 2316. In a particular embodiment, the system checkperformed at step 2316 is performed by a self-diagnostic routine ormodule within the DMA. On the other hand, a technician can perform thesystem check. After the system check, the logic then returns to decisionstep 2314 and continues as described herein. At decision step 2314, ifthe system is operational, the method proceeds to block 2318 and calltransmission is allowed. The method then ends at state 2320.

Referring to FIG. 24, a method of deploying a distributed managementarchitecture server is shown and commences at step 2400 wherein a directphysical connection between a first DMA and a base transceiver stationis disconnected. At 2402, the first DMA is removed. Proceeding to step2404, a second DMA is moved to a location that is substantiallyproximate to the base transceiver station. At 2406, the second DMA isopened. For example, if the DMA is the DMA shown in FIG. 1, the latch isunlocked and the lid is rotated about the hinges into the open position.Next, at 2408, a direct physical connection is established between thesecond DMA and the base transceiver station.

Continuing to block 2410, the second DMA is activated. At block 2412, anetwork connection is established between the second DMA and anotherremote DMA. In a particular embodiment, the network connection is apeer-to-peer IP connection between the DMAs. Further, in a particularembodiment, the peer-to-peer connection is established via a private IPnetwork. At block 2414, DMA software within the second DMA is activated.

Proceeding to decision step 2416, it is determined whether the system isoperational. That decision can be a performed by the second DMA, e.g.,by a self-diagnostic routine or module within the second DMA.Alternatively, the decision can be determined manually by a technician.If the system is not operational, a system check is performed at block2418. In a particular embodiment, the system check performed at block2418 is performed by a self-diagnostic routine or module within thesecond DMA. On the other hand, a technician can perform the systemcheck. After the system check, the logic then returns to decision step2416 and continues as described herein. At decision step 2416, if thesystem is operational, the method proceeds to block 2420 and calltransmission is allowed via the second DMA. The method then ends atstate 2422.

Referring to FIG. 25, a communication system that includes a network ofdistributed mobile architecture nodes is shown. As illustrated, thecommunication system includes a first distributed mobile architecture(DMA) node 2500, a second DMA node 2502, and a third DMA node 2504. Inan illustrative embodiment, the first DMA node 2500 is coupled to thesecond DMA node 2502 via a communication link 2514. The first DMA node2500 is coupled to the third DMA node 2504 via a second communicationlink 2516. Also, the second DMA node 2502 is coupled to the third DMAnode 2504 via a third communication link 2518. In a particularembodiment, each of the communication links may be implemented asInternet protocol (IP) data communication links in a peer-to-peer datanetwork.

FIG. 25 also indicates that the first DMA node 2500 coupled to a mobileswitching center (MSC) element 2540 of a cellular communication system.For example, the first DMA node 2500 can be coupled to the mobileswitching center (MSC) 2540 via a connection 2542. In addition, thefirst DMA node 2500 can be coupled to a visitor location registergateway (VLR-GW) 2550 over the communication link 2542.

In an illustrative embodiment, the first DMA node 2500 supports wirelesscommunication with mobile stations such as the identified mobilestations 2510 and 2512 shown in FIG. 25. Similarly, the second DMA node2502 supports wireless communication with exemplary mobile stations 2520and 2522. As a further example, the third DMA node 2504 supportswireless communication with mobile stations, such as the identifiedmobile stations 2530, 2532, and 2534. In a particular illustrativeembodiment, one of the mobile stations 2530, 2532, and 2534 that issupported by the third DMA node 2504 is a visiting and roaming mobilestation. In this particular example, the mobile station 2530 may be aportable communication device, such as an electronic device suitable forwireless communications that may be in a roaming state. For example, themobile station 2530 may be implemented as a cellular phone that has ahome DMA node other than the third DMA node 2504.

As a particular example, the mobile station 2530 may have a home DMAoutside of the illustrated DMA network. Further, the roaming user of themobile station 2530 may have moved their location to be in closeproximity with the third DMA node 2504. The visitor location registergateway (VLR-GW) 2504 that is coupled to the first DMA node 2500 and tothe mobile switching center 2540 of the wide area cellular network maybe used to register visiting mobile devices, such as the mobile station2530. In a particular embodiment, the VLR-GW 2550 may identify aplurality of visiting mobile stations and may provide information, suchas the identity of the mobile station and the location of the particularDMA that is supporting the visiting mobile station. As a particularexample, Table 1 below illustrates registration information for mobilestations that may be stored within the VLR-GW 2550.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Visitor Location Register IMSI ESN LOC Mobile Station(2510) IMSIa ESNa @DMA1 Mobile Station (2530) IMSIb ESNb @DMA3

In a particular embodiment, while the VLR-GW 2550 is illustrated as aseparate element, it should be understood that the VLR-GW 2550 may bestored within a memory, such as a computer readable memory that isdisposed within a module within the first DMA node 2500. Thus, theVLR-GW 2550 is illustrated as a separate element to show thefunctionality of the VLR-GW and its coupling to the MSC 2540. Also, in aparticular embodiment, the visiting location register within the VLR-GW2550 may include a first item to identify a first visiting mobilesubscriber unit, a second item to identify an address of a first of aplurality of a distributed mobile architecture (DMA) nodes of adistributed Internet protocol network, a third item to identify a secondvisiting mobile subscriber unit, and a fourth item to identify a secondof the DMA nodes of the distributed Internet protocol network. Also, ina particular exemplary embodiment, the first of the distributed mobilearchitecture nodes can be wirelessly coupled to communicate with a firstvisiting mobile subscriber unit and the second of the DMA nodes can bewirelessly coupled to communicate with a second visiting mobilesubscriber unit.

During operation, a mobile subscriber, such as the roaming mobilesubscriber 2530, may roam from an area that is outside access to theparticular DMA network and may subsequently move into proximity with aparticular DMA node such as the third DMA node 2504. Thereafter, themobile subscriber that is visiting, such as mobile subscriber 2530, canregister as a visitor in the visitor location register (VLR) of thethird DMA node 2504. Additionally, the visiting mobile subscriber canstore the DMA location information in the VLR-GW 2550. For example, thethird DMA node 2504 may send a message over the communication link 2516to the first DMA node 2500 and that message is forwarded, as shown at2564, as information stored within the VLR-GW 2550. The storedinformation may include the DMA location (i.e. an address) and theidentity information of the mobile subscriber 2530. An example of theidentity information includes an electronic serial number (ESN) orinternational mobile subscriber identity (IMSI).

After the mobile subscriber 2530 has provided registration information,a routing request message is presented to the VLR-GW 2550 from outsidethe DMA network. For example, a home location register may provide arouting request message to the VLR-GW 2550 via the MSC 2540. The VLR-GW2550 sends a message to the third DMA node 2504, such as illustrated bymessage 2562, and receives an acknowledgement from the third DMA node2504, provided to the MSC 2540 for relay back to the HLR of the cellularnetwork, as shown at 2566.

Referring to FIG. 26, a particular illustrative method of registering amobile subscriber within a network including DMA nodes, such as thenetwork shown in FIG. 25 is illustrated. The method of registering amobile subscriber with a network includes receiving a registrationrequest from a mobile subscriber at a first DMA node within the networkat block 2602. The method further includes storing and identifying afirst distributed mobile architecture node and the mobile subscriber ina memory location within a visitor location register (VLR) gateway atblock 2604. In a particular embodiment as shown in FIG. 25, the VLRgateway 2550 can be coupled to an element of a wide area wirelessnetwork, such as a mobile switching center 2540 and/or a home locationregister (HLR). FIG. 26 illustrates that the method further includessending a registration acknowledgement message to the first DMA nodeafter the identifier is stored in the visitor location register (VLR)within the VLR gateway at block 2606. The method further includessending a message from the VLR gateway to the mobile switching centerelement of the wide area wireless network at block 2608. Thus, a methodof registering a mobile subscriber unit within a visitor locationregister using a distributed DMA network has been shown.

Referring to FIG. 27, a method of routing a call from a wide areawireless network to a mobile subscriber via a DMA network is shown. Themethod includes sending a routing request to a VLR gateway associatedwith a first node of the DMA network from a mobile switching center ofthe wide area wireless network, as shown at 2702. The method furtherincludes accessing a VLR within the VLR gateway to identify a DMA nodeassociated with a mobile subscriber at block 2704. The method furtherincludes sending a routing message from the first node of the DMAnetwork to the DMA node associated with the mobile subscriber at block2706. For example, with reference to FIG. 25, the message may be sentfrom a first DMA node 2500 that has access to the VLR gateway 2550 tothe third DMA node 2504 that supports wireless communication with theroaming mobile subscriber unit 2530.

In a particular embodiment, the method further includes establishing acommunication path from the DMA node to the mobile subscriber at block2708. For example, a communication path may be established or may beupdated between the third DMA node 2504 and the mobile subscriber 2530.The method further includes communicating between the mobile switchingcenter of the wide area network and the mobile subscriber over the DMAnetwork including the particular DMA nodes at block 2710.

In a particular embodiment, the visitor location register (VLR) isdisposed within an authentication, authorization, and accounting modulewithin the first node of the distributed mobile architecture network,such as the first DMA node 2500. While in the particular embodimentillustrated in FIG. 25, the roaming mobile subscriber 2530 is wirelesslycoupled to the third DMA node 2504, it should be understood that each ofthe DMAs 2500, 2502, 2504 within the DMA network may communicatewirelessly with roaming mobile subscriber units, and such roaming mobilesubscribing units may be registered within the VLR-GW 2550. In aparticular illustrative embodiment, a registration acknowledgementmessage may be sent to the first DMA node 2500 after the identifier ofthe mobile subscriber is stored within the VLR-GW 2550. Also, theidentifier or identifiers of the roaming mobile station may be forwardedfrom the VLR gateway 2550 to an HLR of the wireless wide area network.Also, the VLR gateway 2550 may be disposed within a module of the firstDMA node 2500 and the first DMA node 2500 may receive a confirmationresponse with respect to the VLR gateway 2550 in its response to amessage sent to the mobile switching center, such as the registrationmessage sent in response to detecting a visiting mobile subscriber by anode of the DMA network. Further, the first DMA node 2500 may forward aregistration acknowledgement message to the third DMA node 2504 afterreceiving a confirmation response from the mobile switching center (MSC)2540.

Referring to FIG. 28, a method of placing a call to a roaming mobilesubscriber that is visiting a node of a DMA network is shown. The methodincludes sending a call routing request from a mobile switching centerto an assigned node of the DMA network that includes a visitor locationregister (VLR) to identify a set of visiting mobile subscriber units atblock 2802. The method further includes receiving an acknowledgement tothe call routing request from a serving node of the DMA network at block2804, and placing the call from the mobile switching center to aparticular mobile subscribing unit, via the serving DMA node, at block2806.

In a particular embodiment, the mobile subscriber unit is a roamingmobile subscriber unit that is identified as within the set of visitingmobile subscriber units within the VLR. In another particularillustrative embodiment, the serving node of the DMA network may includea housing, a mobile switching center module disposed within the housing,and a base station controller module disposed within the housing. Forexample, the serving node of the DMA network may be implemented as shownwith reference to FIG. 3. In addition, each node of the DMA network maybe coupled to other nodes within the DMA network via a peer-to-peer IPdata connection. Thus, a distributed data network may be utilized toprovide call registration and routing to visiting mobile subscriberunits that are located outside their home territory. In addition, thedistributed mobile architecture network may provide access to a widearea network, such as a cellular network that includes mobile switchingcenters and home location registers.

With the configuration of structure described above, the presentdisclosure provides a flexible telecommunications device, i.e., a DMA,that is distributive and associative, i.e., it can operate stand-aloneor seamlessly within an existing cellular or other network. Moreover,the DMA can be integrated with virtually any third party base station.The DMA can operate with multiple air interfaces including CDMA IS-95,CDMA 1X, CDMA EVDO, GSM, GPRS, W-CDMA, 802.11 (Wi-fi), 802.16 (Wi-fi),etc. Further, the DMA can provide integrated prepaid billing, OAMP,network management, and AAA functionality. The DMA can include a Javabased user interface and feature configuration system. Also, the DMA canprovide real time call metering, call detail record (CDR) generation,and real time call provisioning. The DMA may be implemented in arelatively small footprint and has a relatively low power requirement.Further, the DMA may be implemented using inexpensive and widelyavailable computer equipment.

With one or more of the deployment configurations described above, thepresent system provides mobile to landline calls from mobile handsetswithin a DMA cellular coverage area. Also, mobile to landline calls canbe made from mobile handsets roaming into DMA coverage areas. Mobile tomobile calls can be made from home/roaming handsets to DMA handsets andvice versa. Further, mobile to IP calls and IP to mobile calls can bemade from within a DMA coverage area. IP to IP calls can be made fromany DMA handset to any IP phone. Additionally, IP to landline calls andlandline to IP calls can be made from a DMA handset to any phone.Further, landline to mobile calls to DMA handsets can be made.

The systems described above can support call forwarding, call waiting,3-way calling caller ID, voice mail, and mobile to mobile SMS service,i.e., text messaging. Further, the systems described above can providebroadcast SMS service, mobile to land high-speed IP data (1× or GPRS)service and mobile-to-mobile high speed IP data (1× or GPRS) service.Also, the systems described above can provide IP-PBX capability.

Further, one or more of the illustrated systems can provide IP transportbetween distributed elements, e.g., DMAs. Packet back-haul from BTS toRAN can be provided. Further, the control logic within the DMAs can bedistributed and associated. Associated systems can be redundant,self-healing, self-organizing, and scalable. Distributed systems can be“snap-together,” i.e., a DMA can be linked to a previously deployed DMAin order to broaden, or otherwise extend, cellular coverage. Further,distributed systems can be de-centralized to avoid single points offailure.

One or more of the systems described above can also provide soft andsofter call handoffs on the same frequency interfaces. Also, softhandoffs can be provided on different systems. Further, a DMA basedsystem can operate stand-alone with a billing system provided by a DMAand CDR generation. Or, a system can use the SS7 network to pass CDRs toa central switch for integrated billing and operation with an existingnetwork.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a call routingrequest at a first distributed mobile architecture (DMA) node of a DMAnetwork from a mobile switching center (MSC), wherein the first DMA nodeprovides wireless service to a first coverage site of the DMA network,the DMA network including multiple coverage sites, and wherein the firstDMA node is configured to receive all call routing requests for the DMAnetwork from the MSC; identifying, at the first DMA node, a second DMAnode that provides wireless service to a second coverage site of the DMAnetwork and that provides wireless service to a mobile subscriberdevice, wherein the second DMA node is identified based on informationstored at a visitor location register (VLR) gateway included in thefirst DMA node, wherein the information stored at the VLR gatewayidentifies each mobile subscriber device visiting the DMA network andwhich DMA node of the DMA network provides wireless service to each ofthe mobile subscriber devices visiting the DMA network; and sending acall routing message from the first DMA node via a peer-to-peerconnection over an internet protocol network to the second DMA node,wherein the call routing message is associated with the mobilesubscriber device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the VLR gateway isstored within a computer-readable storage medium of the first DMA node.3. The method of claim 2, wherein the information stored at the VLRgateway comprises an internet protocol (IP) address of a particular DMAnode and an identifier for each of the visiting mobile subscriberdevices.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein a communication path betweenthe first DMA node and the second DMA node includes at least one otherdevice.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first DMA node includes afirst VLR that stores first registration information that identifies afirst set of visiting mobile subscriber devices located in the firstcoverage site, and wherein the second DMA node includes a second VLRthat stores second registration information that identifies a second setof visiting mobile subscriber devices located in the second coveragesite.
 6. A method comprising: sending a call routing request from amobile switching center (MSC) to a first distributed mobile architecture(DMA) node of a DMA network, wherein the first DMA node includes avisitor location register (VLR) gateway that stores information thatidentifies each mobile subscriber device visiting the DMA network andwhich DMA node of the DMA network provides wireless service to each ofthe mobile subscriber devices visiting the DMA network, wherein thefirst DMA node provides wireless service to a first coverage site of theDMA network, the DMA network including multiple coverage sites, andwherein the first DMA node is configured to receive all call routingrequests for the DMA network from the MSC; receiving an acknowledgementto the call routing request from the first DMA node, wherein theacknowledgement identifies a particular DMA node of the DMA network, andwherein the first DMA node is in communication with the particular DMAnode via a peer-to-peer connection over an internet protocol network,wherein the particular DMA node is associated with a particular mobilesubscriber device; and placing a call from the MSC to the mobilesubscriber device via the particular DMA node.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the VLR gateway identifies an electronic serial number (ESN) andan international mobile station identifier (IMSI) of each mobilesubscriber device visiting the DMA network.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the particular mobile subscriber device is a roaming mobilesubscriber device that is identified as having a corresponding registerentry at the VLR gateway.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein a second DMAnode is coupled to the first DMA node via a second peer-to-peerconnection over the internet protocol network.
 10. The method of claim6, wherein the MSC is disposed within a module of a second DMA node. 11.A method comprising: storing first registration information at a visitorlocation register (VLR) gateway, wherein the first registrationinformation is received from a first distributed mobile architecture(DMA) node of a DMA network, wherein the first registration informationis sent by the first DMA node to the VLR gateway in response to thefirst DMA node receiving a first registration request from a firstvisiting mobile subscriber that is located within a first coverage siteof the DMA network, wherein the first coverage site is supported by thefirst DMA node, wherein the first registration information indicatesthat the first visiting mobile subscriber is located within the firstcoverage site, and wherein the VLR gateway is configured to storeinformation that identifies visiting mobile subscriber devices at eachcoverage site of the DMA network, and wherein the first DMA node isconfigured to receive all call routing requests for the DMA network froma mobile switching center (MSC); and storing second registrationinformation at the VLR gateway, wherein the second registrationinformation is received from a second DMA node of the DMA network,wherein the second registration information is sent by the second DMAnode to the VLR gateway in response to the second DMA node receiving asecond registration request from a second visiting mobile subscriberthat is located within a second coverage site of the DMA network,wherein the second coverage site is supported by the second DMA node,wherein the second coverage site is different from the first coveragesite, wherein the first DMA node communicates with the second DMA nodevia a peer-to-peer connection over an internet protocol network, whereinthe second registration information indicates that the second visitingmobile subscriber is located within the second coverage site, whereinthe first visiting mobile subscriber is associated with a first homecoverage site that is outside of the DMA network, wherein the secondvisiting mobile subscriber is associated with a second home coveragesite that is outside of the DMA network, and wherein the VLR gatewaystores information identifying which DMA node of the DMA networkprovides wireless service to each mobile subscriber device visiting theDMA network.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: receiving arouting request from a mobile switching center (MSC), the routingrequest associated with a mobile subscriber device; and identifying aDMA node associated with the mobile subscriber device based on at leastone of the first registration information and the second registrationinformation in response to receiving the routing the request from theMSC.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the VLR gateway is included inthe second DMA node and wherein the identified DMA node is the first DMAnode.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the VLR gateway is included inthe first DMA node and wherein the identified DMA node is the second DMAnode.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the VLR gateway is coupled tothe first DMA node and wherein the identified DMA node is the second DMAnode.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the VLR gateway is coupled tothe second DMA node and wherein the identified DMA node is the first DMAnode.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the first DMA node includes afirst home location register (HLR) and a first VLR, and wherein thefirst VLR and the VLR gateway are distinct.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the second DMA node includes a second HLR and a second VLR, andwherein the second VLR, the first VLR, and the VLR gateway are distinct.19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first VLR is configured to storethe first registration information and wherein the second VLR isconfigured to store the second registration information.